I am always excited at the prospect at the start of the new gardening season, which for me starts usually at this time of the year.

As we see spring slowly fading away leaving the door ajar for the new dawn of summer, gardeners the world over eagerly anticipate the ‘growing’ months with much anticipation, expectation and yearning for bumper crops whether they be vegetables or floral.

In this short series, I shall enlighten you on what to sow, tips for yielding good luscious crops as well as focus on the best places to visit for the best gardens Britain has to offer.

In that regard what better way to start off than point all and sundry to what some regard as the world’s premier attraction in May, namely the Chelsea Flower Show.

It features some of the best garden designs, plants from all over the world and gardening features being the spotlight of every horticulturalists year.

The BBC will broadcast daily with anchormen Alan Titchmarsh as well as Monty Don amongst others.This year marks a century since the start of World War 1 in 1914. I anticipate red poppies being the theme and floral designs commemorating Britains victory being the hallmark.

Back to earth, at this time, the ground is warming as temperatures rise and longer days enable and foster good plant growth.

You will have noticed the lush greenery all abounding as the damp inclement weather completes all that plants need. The key ingredients being good nutritious soil, sun and constant water to keep them luscious.

Now is the time for many crops to be sown either in pots or ideally in the ground and anyone can following the basic steps find much success in growing their own crops. Asian crops are produced thus.

Garlic segments in rows divided by a few inches, onion bulb sets, besides herbs such as coriander, basil, methi, parsley and mint.

Spread the seeds generously in good composted soil and keep at a fairly warm temperature under plastic cover for a fortnight until seedlings sprout and they will be ready in time for Ramadan in July.

Be sure to keep an eye out for slugs and cats and birds. I will explain some of the best tried and tested in dealing with these in the next issue as I aim to use as little chemicals and keep organic as much as possible.

Pots are best for growing small amounts of chilli’s (though they need to be indoors at this time) besides cucumbers and tomatoes which can also be grown straight in the compost bags.

Be sure not to put straight outside if temperatures as cold. You must be generous with watering diluted plant food regularly to enhance and nurture good growth. Other plants which can be transplanted from pots are egg plants, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

My favourite the ‘money maker’ tomatoes are easy to grow and are often as sweet and tasty as any found in the local vegetable shops.

Take care not to allow the bud usually sprouting from the middle of two V shaped ones to come through. This must be plucked out for the other two to flourish.

Potatoes can be grown in buckets or placed about 8”straight in the ground, though they must first be chitted.

That is, being left in the dark until the sprouts show, before planting. Within months a handful of potatoes should if watered and cared for bring forth many pounds of ‘spuds’ after a few months. Harvest before the yellow tips appear on the green shoots.

On a final note, do consider the date on seed packets as much time, effort and money will be lost sowing outdated seeds.

It is always best to pay a bit more and get the best high quality seeds from reputable suppliers by mail order or from good local gardening stores for the best crops.

These commercial seeds are harvested, processed, packaged and stored to ensure ‘disease free’ and good germination. They do pay and work out cheaper in the long run.

If you have any burning issues or need advise or indeed a visit from me please email me and I will be happy to help you out.